2Cor. 2 v 11: Lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.

How does Satan attack us? Satan has some old and proven ways of attacking God’s people. This is why you need to be aware of his tactics and schemes so that you can be victorious in your spiritual warfare. This is what I have been sharing with you for some time now, and today, I will be sharing another weapon of Satan’s attack towards you. If you are ready, let’s examine this tool of the enemy of our soul.

THE TOOLS/DEVICES OF SATAN:

7. OFFENCES/DIVISIONS. This is another potent weapon that the enemy often uses against God’s people. Satan is a master at using offences and divisions against the believer, hence why you need to be vigilant and alert. The word offence in Greek is the word Skandalon (i.e. from where we got the word scandal), and it means a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare or a cause of displeasure or sin. It also means a stumbling block or a thing that offends. The Skandalon is the trigger in the trap on which the bait is placed; it springs the trap when it is touched by the animal, causing the trap to close. This is what an offence truly means, and this is what Satan does against the believer whenever he uses this tool. On the other hand, division speaks of disunion, dissension or sedition. Satan is always seeking to bring division or disunion among the brethren, hence why you must be sensitive and on your toes spiritually speaking (Lk. 17 v 1-4; Rom. 16 v 17). Offences can bring divisions, while division can be due to offences. You need to know that they work together. At times, wherever there are offences, there are bound to be divisions. This is why you need to be mindful of your ranks and relationships because the enemy is always looking for opportunities to infiltrate your ranks and company.

So how does Satan use this weapon against the believer? He does so by the following means:

• By living in bitterness, resentment or unforgiveness and such kind of things as this. This is why you need to be watchful for wherever there is malice, envying or strife, offences and divisions will abound. So make up your mind to walk and stay in the agape love of God (1Cor. 13 v 4-8; Gal. 5 v 19-21).
• By sowing discord among the brethren. This happens when evil reports and false accusation prevails in an environment instead of harmony and love. This will ultimately bring out offences and division, so never give room to the devil (Dan. 6 v 1-4, 10).
• When there is disloyalty or faithlessness. This will normally be a breeding ground for offences/divisions, so give no place for Satan (Ps. 133 v 1; Pro. 25 v 19).
• Spiritual attack on leadership. Satan is always trying to strike the leader so that the followers can be scattered, but we can still be victorious in the midst of his attacks by the covenant provisions (Matt. 26 v 31-32).
• When there is the disunity of purpose. Whenever there is more than one vision in a house, the enemy could bring about offences and divisions. I can see you winning as you employ this attitude in Jesus name, amen.

Other Scriptural References: (Matt. 18 v 6-7, 21-35; Gen. 50 v 20; Pro. 6 v 16, 19; Rom. 12 v 18: 14 v 19: 13 v 8; 1Jn. 4 v 18; Acts 15 v 36-41).

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, give me discerning eyes to discern the operation of offenses and divisions that the enemy is bringing my way in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: I refuse to give in to the bait of offenses and divisions. I walk in love and not in bitterness or unforgiveness. I am a peacemaker and not a troublemaker. I choose unity over disunity and discord. I chose to walk in love regardless of the situation and circumstances of life. I am a forgiver, and I let go of every pain, disappointments and hurt I may have experienced. I roll every burden and worry on the Lord. He is my burden bearer and strengthener; therefore, I overcome and prevail against every attack of the enemy. 

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.